Spiced Wine Recipe: Warm Up with Aromatic Flavors!
Are you looking for a festive drink to warm your soul this holiday season? Look no further than this spiced wine recipe, also known as mulled wine, hot spiced wine, or even hot spiced Christmas wine. The combination of aromatic spices and red wine creates a deliciously fragrant and comforting drink perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with loved ones during any holiday gathering.
But why settle for just any spiced wine recipe when you can have the best? This recipe uses a full-bodied and fruity red wine, such as a dry red or even a cream sherry, to create the perfect base. The addition of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with fresh orange slices and juice, takes this drink to another level of flavor and sets it apart from other mulled wine recipes.
Not only is this spiced wine recipe easy to make with a minimal ingredient list, but it can also be customized to suit your preferences. Add in apple slices or cranberries for a twist on the classic recipe, or increase the amount of brandy for a stronger kick.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional festive drink or just something to warm you up on a cold winter’s night, this spiced wine recipe is sure to impress. So grab a bottle of your favorite red wine and get ready to cozy up with this delicious drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring wine? Do you crave a little spice in your life? Then I have just the recipe for you! Introducing the best spiced wine recipe you will ever taste. This hot spiced Christmas wine, also called mulled wine, is perfect for those chilly winter nights when you want to cozy up with a warm mug of goodness.
The star of the show in this recipe is the full-bodied red wine. It means that it has a lot of flavor and oomph that can hold up against all the spices we’ll be adding. This recipe calls for a 750 ml bottle of dry red wine, but you can use any red wine you have on hand. The result will still be delightful.
In addition to the red wine, we’ll be adding some flavorful ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. These festive spices paired with the fruit adds a whole new layer of aroma and deliciousness to any bottle of red wine.
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ll also be adding in some brown sugar, orange juice, brandy and slices of oranges to give this mulled wine recipe an extra burst of flavor.
This spiced wine is perfect to sip on while decorating the tree or during a holiday feast. It’s sure to impress your guests and keep them warm from head to toe.
So why settle for plain old unremarkable wines when you can take it up a notch with this festive, easy-to-make spiced wine? Give this recipe a try and add some spice to your life!
Ingredient List
- 2 bottles red wine
- 1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)
- 1 cup brandy
- 2 oranges sliced into rounds
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
This recipe calls for a bottle of dry red wine. You can use your favorite red wine or choose a full-bodied one. The recipe’s ingredients also include cream sherry, which is optional. To give the spiced wine more kick, add a quarter cup of cream sherry.
In addition to the red wine base, you will need a cup of brandy to add depth to the flavor. Fresh orange slices are also required, along with their zest and juice. Whole spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise as well as brown sugar tie everything in and make the mulled wine spicier. Finally, add tangy sweetness to the concoction with a cup of fresh orange juice.
These ingredients make up the best mulled wine recipe that’s perfect for any holiday.
The Recipe How-To
Making Spiced Wine at home is very easy and you don’t need too many ingredients. Here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
First, gather all the ingredients you need.
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 oranges sliced into rounds
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
In a large saucepan, combine the wine, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, brandy, oranges, orange juice, and brown sugar.
Step 3: Bring to Boil and Simmer for 15 Minutes
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, lower heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Pour spiced wine through a strainer and serve while it’s still warm. You can garnish each glass with slices of oranges or apples if you’d like.
Enjoy your delicious home-made hot spiced wine!
Substitutions and Variations
Mulled wine, also called spiced wine, is a traditional Christmas beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. While there are many variations of the recipe, some ingredients can be substituted or added to create a different flavor profile.
Instead of using red wine, white wine or rosé can be used for a lighter, fruitier flavor. Add slices of fresh apple or cranberries for an extra burst of sweetness and tang.
For a non-alcoholic version of this recipe, substitute the wine and brandy with apple cider or grape juice. Adjust the sugar quantity according to your preference.
Looking to switch things up? Try making German Glühwein by adding ginger root, nutmeg, and anise in place of some or all of the cinnamon.
Finally, another variation of spiced wine is to use cream sherry instead of red wine, along with milk instead of water. This will give the drink a rich and creamy texture that is perfect for sipping on a chilly winter evening.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredient combinations and have fun creating your own signature spiced wine recipe!
Serving and Pairing
This spiced wine is the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter’s night. It’s perfect for sipping by the fire while nibbling on some seasonal treats. This drink pairs well with rich and indulgent desserts, such as chocolate truffles, pumpkin cheesecake, or gingerbread cookies.
If you want to elevate your wine even further, you can serve it in pretty glasses and garnish each one with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick. This creates a lovely presentation that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or intimate get-togethers.
While this recipe is traditionally made with red wine, it can also be made with other types of wine, such as cream sherry or white wine. Additionally, if alcohol is not your preference, you can make a delicious non-alcoholic version of this drink by substituting the wine with grape juice.
This spiced wine can also be paired with a variety of foods, including warm breads and cheeses, fruits such as apples and pears, and nuts like almonds and walnuts. The sweet and spicy notes in the drink complement these flavors perfectly.
Overall, this spiced wine is the perfect drink to enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you’re sipping it while wrapping presents, enjoying it after a long day of skiing, or serving it as a dessert offering at your next party, you’ll love how easy and delicious this drink is.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this spiced wine recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for holidays and parties. You can prepare the spiced wine up to two days before serving and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat it. This allows for the flavors to infuse even more, making it even more delicious.
To reheat the spiced wine, simply pour it into a saucepan and heat it up over low-medium heat. Make sure not to boil it as this will cause the alcohol to evaporate and change the flavor of the wine.
If you have leftover spiced wine, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, keep in mind that the longer you store it, the more potent the spices will become.
Another great option is to freeze any leftover spiced wine in an ice cube tray. This way, you can use them in future recipes that call for wine or simply use them to cool down a glass of lemonade or iced tea during warmer months.
Overall, whether you want to make this recipe ahead of time or store leftovers, there are plenty of options available. Just remember to take into account proper reheating techniques and storage guidelines for optimal results.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure a delicious and satisfying spiced wine experience, here are some tips for perfect results:
1. Use good quality ingredients: The quality of the wine used will have a significant impact on the final product. Opt for a full-bodied and fruity red wine, instead of a light-bodied blend. Also, use freshly ground spices to enhance the flavor and aroma of the spiced wine.
2. Don’t overheat the wine: Be careful when heating the wine as overheating it can cause it to taste bitter. Heat it slowly over low-medium heat until just heated through.
3. Add sugar at the right time: Make sure to add sugar or another sweetener only after the wine has been heated and spices have steeped in it for at least 10 minutes. This will make sure that the sugar dissolves properly and doesn’t crystallize in your spiced wine.
4. Experiment with different garnishes: While traditionally sliced oranges are used to garnish the hot spiced wine, try experimenting with other fruits like pears, apples, and berries or add additional spices like nutmeg and cardamom to make your recipe unique.
5. Keep it on simmer: Once all the ingredients are combined, keep it simmering at low heat for at least half an hour before serving to allow all flavors to come together perfectly.
Keep these tips in mind while making your next batch of spiced wine, whether it’s for Christmas, winter parties or traditional medieval celebrations.
FAQ
As we come to the end of the spiced wine recipe article, you may have some lingering questions about this delicious beverage. To help you out, I’ve included a FAQ section where I’ll address some common inquiries regarding this wine recipe. So read on to find out more and enjoy your hot spiced Christmas wine!
What spices to put in wine?
There are various ingredients that can be paired with wine to enhance its taste and aroma. Some of these include herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage, which can bring out the subtle flavors in the wine. Dried or fresh fruits like cherries, blackberries, and currants may also be paired with wine to give it a unique taste. A dash of star anise or peppercorns can also go a long way in enhancing the flavor of the wine. Mushrooms, be it fresh or dried, can also be used to add an earthy and rustic texture to the wine. If you like your wine to have a sweeter note, charred shallots or garlic can be added to the pairing. Finally, fennel seeds can also be used to add a refreshing and sweet taste to the wine.
What type of wine is best for spiced wine?
If you’re planning to make mulled wine, choosing the right red wine is crucial. Merlot, Zinfandel, and Garnacha are perfect candidates for this warm and cozy drink. These wines have a deep hue, are rich in flavor, and can handle the addition of various spices and fruits. To pick the right one, search for labels that mention the wine’s “jammy” character or “hints of vanilla.”
Is spiced wine the same as mulled wine?
The beverage we commonly refer to as mulled wine can be recognized by several names, including spiced wine, hot wine, glögg, glühwein, and vin chaud. While the spices and alcohol type chosen can vary based on the location, the drink’s essence remains the same.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this spiced wine recipe is a must-try for any wine lover. It’s perfect for the upcoming holiday season and will surely impress your guests with its bold and warming flavors. With its combination of traditional spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, paired with a full-bodied red wine like cream sherry or a dark fruity option, it’s no wonder why this recipe is called the best mulled wine.
Whether you’re looking for a warm drink for winter nights or want to surprise your friends and family with a unique gift, the spiced wine recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients can be adjusted according to your liking. You can also try some substitutions or variations to add a personal touch.
Finally, I highly recommend serving this spiced wine recipe alongside spicy foods or hearty dishes like roasted meats or stews. The flavors complement each other perfectly and will create an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
So why wait? Go ahead and try this amazing spiced wine recipe today. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Spiced Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bottle lake niagara wine (Widmers)
- 2 bottles lake niagara grape juice
- 1/2 bottle cream sherry
- 1 box mulling spices
Instructions
- Warm through and serve.